Development Officer

The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences.

From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high‑impact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long‑term ambitions.

The University of Derby’s award-winning External Relations team is at an exciting stage of growth, building on a strong track record of high-impact philanthropic partnerships and major capital project support. As Development Officer, you will play a key role in sustaining this momentum by developing and managing relationships with donors, prospects, and key stakeholders. Working closely with the Head of Development, you will help shape and deliver fundraising strategies that generate long-term, sustainable support for students, research, and wider community impact.

In this role, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of donors and supporters, cultivating meaningful relationships through face-to-face meetings, written communications, and events. You will create compelling cases for support, lead on fundraising campaigns, and steward donors with professionalism and care. A central part of your work will also involve building strong internal and external networks, collaborating across the University, and identifying opportunities across corporate partnerships, trusts, and philanthropic individuals to maximise income generation.

This is a fast-paced, collaborative environment suited to someone proactive, highly organised, and confident working with senior stakeholders. You will contribute to the development of effective fundraising systems and processes, support high-quality events, and help embed a culture of giving across the University. In return, you will join a forward-thinking team where your work directly contributes to meaningful, measurable impact across the institution and beyond.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and confident fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising campaigns across multiple income streams, ideally with particular expertise in generating income from Trusts and Foundations. You will have hands-on experience managing donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and working with a range of stakeholders including individuals, corporates, trusts, and senior internal leaders. Experience within higher education or a similarly complex, relationship-driven environment would be highly advantageous.

You will be a strong communicator with the ability to engage, influence, and inspire a wide range of audiences, from major donors to senior university colleagues. You will be comfortable developing compelling cases for support, representing the organisation externally, and building long-term relationships based on trust, professionalism, and shared purpose. A high level of attention to detail, alongside strong organisational and event management skills, is essential.

Crucially, you will be proactive, self-motivated, and solutions-focused, thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment. You will be digitally confident, particularly with CRM systems and data management, and will understand fundraising compliance and best practice. Above all, you will be collaborative and driven by impact, motivated by the opportunity to help grow philanthropic income that directly supports students, research, and the wider community.

1. Supporting the Head of Development in the planning and delivery of all aspects of the fundraising strategy.
2. Develop, implement, and deliver compelling and impactful fundraising campaigns.
3. Develop philanthropic fundraising initiatives within the University, nationally and internationally.
4. Develop cases for “giving” (donor proposition) for each priority, understanding each donor or contact in order to understand their needs and boundaries.
5. Represent the University as required at external and internal events and meetings.
6. Engage with teams and colleagues across the University to understand the requirements and needs for development of specific fundraising projects.
7. Identify and work with all colleagues in the cultivation of prospects (individuals, trusts and corporate) and in the solicitation of major gifts.
8. Maximise on current opportunities, including business relationships, sponsorships, suppliers and research partners.
9. Manage and deliver a donor programme of engaging and successful events which effectively supports our fundraising priorities and drive to our goals and targets.
10. Support and develop relationship building initiatives with key external and potential senior influencers.
11. Development and implementation of stewardship mechanisms for donors at all levels.
12. Manage and progress relationships and have oversight of all areas of activity.
13. Create and maintain a strong network of contacts and partners ensuring that University of Derby is well positioned to identify and respond to donor opportunities.
14. Raise awareness of fundraising for University of Derby and develop a culture of giving internally and externally.
15. Develop and maintain all processes and operations for effective management of a fundraising office including planning, budgeting, regulation, compliance, processing, reporting, analysis, and data protection.
16. Prospect research activities including the implementation of regular prospect review meetings with relevant colleagues.
17. Work with colleagues to develop the fundraising data management/Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for tracking fundraising initiatives and relationships/interactions with prospects and major donors.
18. Manage gift aid declarations and process gift aid claims with HMRC.